Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I commend Senator Bacik for raising the fact that Trinity College Dublin is rated among the finest universities in the world this year and relate this to the training of doctors. I hope the Minister for Health will come before the House, although I have seen him in here since I was elected. It would not be his first time in the House. I wish to discuss the reason our doctors are leaving after receiving good training, as they go to another country for further training before being appointed consultants.

Is it possible to consider a system where every student - not only medical students - would give something back to the country which serves people so well through training? Education is a very valued commodity in our society and it is the most valuable asset of young people. Those who receive it should be and are very grateful. I see students participating in the Gaisce awards overseen by President Mary McAleese and they are delighted to give something back. Students are also involved with meals on wheels and are delighted to give something back in that way.

We should not just pick out medical students to give something back and a system could be devised where students would get extra points - or another form of incentivisation - to give something back on foot of their education. Many young people still cannot avail of the fine education others receive. The Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Health could consider a system with the help of other training bodies. I ask that when the Minister for Health comes before the House he would give a statement on that suggestion.

With regard to how we must make hard decisions in health, it is not today or yesterday that reports were brought to the table on the closing of hospitals.